New York State Department of Health and New Rochelle YMCA Announce Expanded Access to Free Swimming Lessons Through Governor Hochul’s NY Swims Initiative
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – State Senator Nathalia Fernandez and Assemblyman Steve Otis joined NYS Commissioner of Health James McDonald for the announcement of expanded free learn-to-swim lessons for children ages 0-12 as part of Governor Kathy Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative, which is focused on helping New York families access critical water safety education and lifesaving skills.
The program is a partnership between the New York State Department of Health, the New York State YMCA Foundation Inc., and the State University of New York (SUNY). The expansion builds on Governor Hochul's NY SWIMS initiative, launched in 2024 to increase access to swimming opportunities, strengthen water safety, and invest in communities across New York State.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim and develop lifesaving water safety skills," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "By expanding free swimming lessons, NY SWIMS is helping break down barriers and address disparities that put some children, particularly children of color, at greater risk of drowning.”
Senator Fernandez said, “I’m proud to have helped secure funding to strengthen the New Rochelle YMCA and expand opportunities for families to use this important community resource. Investments like NY SWIMS help make our communities safer while giving children the opportunity to stay active and enjoy the water in a safe and healthy way.”
Assemblyman Otis said, “We were thrilled that Commissioner McDonald chose to make this announcement at the New Rochelle YMCA. NY SWIMS enhances the strong swimming programs here at the Y. Governor Hochul’s program opens doors by allowing everyone the opportunity to learn to swim.”
During the visit, Commissioner McDonald toured the facility, spoke to New Rochelle YMCA staff about the Y’s programs, and saw swim lessons in progress.
CEO of the New Rochelle YMCA Jennifer Ryan Safsel said, “We want to thank Governor Hochul for her investment in NY SWIMS that will give our YMCA the resources to invest in improvements to our pool, as well as funding to provide free swim lessons to children in our community. Learning to swim is a necessary life-saving skill and a vital step forward in the prevention of children drowning.”
New Rochelle’s State Legislative Delegation of Senators Fernandez and Shelley Mayer, and Otis and Amy Paulin in the Assembly, have helped secure state capital grants for the New Rochelle YMCA’s many improvements and upgrades to the facility, including the popular pool.
The 2026 Enacted Budget included a $5 million allocation to the Department of Health to support free learn-to-swim lessons for children ages 0-4. The 2027 Enacted Budget expanded eligibility to include children ages 0-12, allowing more families statewide to benefit from this critical water safety program.
Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 in the United States and remains a leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning disparities vary by race, with Black children experiencing higher drowning death rates than White children. The disparities are particularly pronounced among Black children ages 5-9, who drown at rates 2.6 times higher than White children of the same age. Black children ages 10-14 also experience higher drowning rates, including a pool drowning rate 7.6 times higher than that of White children ages 10-14. The CDC also reports that Black children and youth are more likely to drown in public pools, while White children and youth are more likely to drown in residential pools.
Access to swimming instruction is an important part of addressing these disparities. Barriers, such as the cost and availability of swimming lessons, limited access to pools and other community resources, can prevent children from developing basic swimming and water safety skills. By providing free lessons, NY SWIMS is helping ensure that more children can learn skills that can protect them in and around the water.
Since its launch, NY SWIMS has invested nearly $260 million in 79 projects across every region of New York State, representing the largest investment in public swimming infrastructure since the New Deal. As a result of NY SWIMS investments, an estimated 2.5 million New Yorkers will benefit from enhanced access to safe swimming and healthy recreational opportunities.
The initiative represents New York State's continued commitment to expanding swimming opportunities, investing in community resources, and ensuring every child has access to safe and affordable aquatic education.
The New York State Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to make water safety a priority by enrolling children in age-appropriate swimming lessons, providing constant supervision around water, and ensure the learning of basic lifesaving skills.
Drowning Prevention and Water Safety for Children and Teens can be found here.
More Information About YMCA NY Swims Lessons can be found here.